Wilton, CT – The luck of the Irish is not required for Wilton Library’s Spring Benefit on Saturday, March 17, however the first 200 people who buy tickets for the fundraiser will be feeling lucky to be able to attend this wonderful event. The fundraiser will be honoring Carol and Bob Russell for their years of loyal support and dedication to Wilton Library. From their commitment to the library’s Wilton History Room to the hours spent volunteering at the book sales; from Carol’s being anointed the Wilton Tree Steward to Bob’s time as a First Selectman; from hosting historical lectures to Bob’s painstaking work on the cherished book, Wilton, Connecticut: Three Generations of People, Places and Progress, and to the two of them being named as honorary library trustees, the library’s recognition of the Russells is well deserved.

The festivities take place at Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield beginning at 6:30 p.m. when guests will be greeted by an Irish bagpiper and a drummer, befitting given that it is St. Patrick’s Day. Attendees will enjoy a delicious dinner, a lively live auction, a bountiful silent auction and live entertainment featuring the music of Bob Riccio.

“We are delighted to be honoring Carol and Bob Russell,” remarked Robin Axness, development director for the library. “They are such an integral part of the fabric of Wilton that it was fitting to choose them for this recognition.”

Event co-chair Kristin Johnson agreed, “We’re acknowledging Carol and Bob not only for their support of the library but for the many ways in which they have enriched Wilton.”

Carrie Preisano, also co-chair of the benefit noted, “This is such a wonderful event because not only are we honoring a special couple, but in the process, we’re also acknowledging Wilton Library, which is such a treasure in this town.”

Johnson and Preisano have been leading a dedicated committee that has been hard at work for months for this all-important event for the library. The evening is designed to raise funds for programs, services and technology to fortify the library’s mission to inform and inspire minds and enrich and connect lives. The committee has been engaged in efforts to bring fun and exciting items to the two auctions. Guests will be able to enthusiastically support the library by bidding on a trip to Ireland, an overnight stay at The Mayflower Inn, NASCAR Race Tickets, golfing opportunities, tickets to the New York Wine Festival, and tickets to major sporting events; these are just some of the treats that are in store. Committee members include Lianne Acosta-Rua, Kathy Dhanda, Summer Downey, Suzi Eckert, Margret Greene, Kathryn Groves, Betsy Huffman, Tamara Kalin, Michele Klink, Pam Nobumoto, Kristy Ripp, Teresa Waldron, Elizabeth Walsh and Tami Weigold.

The Celtic-themed decorations created for the evening are provided through the talents of Betsy Huffman. The symbol of the event, The Celtic Tree of Life, represents forces of nature coming together in perfect harmony to maintain balance in the universe. Wilton Library shares features of the Celtic Tree of Life: Roots—honoring the town’s deep history and the wonderful people and community that have made Wilton what it is today; Trunk—standing at its core, as the cultural and intellectual center of Wilton; and Branches – reaching out to the community in many and various ways.

“The Celtic Tree of Life is such an appropriate theme,” said Elaine Tai-Lauria, Wilton Library’s executive director. “The library continuously strives to reach and engage the community through the strength of its myriad programs. At the benefit, we are providing a separate Giving Tree opportunity specifically for our programs – programs that people enjoy today as well as new ventures on the horizon. Funding these endeavors is of utmost importance for our thriving library.”

The benefit is made possible in part through the generous support of The Amadeo Family, Presenting Sponsors Dorie and Nick Davatzes, and Fairfield County Bank, and Gold Sponsor General Electric. Media sponsors are Wilton Magazine and GOOD Morning Wilton.

Tickets for the event begin at $225 per person with opportunities for reserved tables. Tickets for the fundraiser are now on sale and may be purchased online at www.wiltonlibrary.org, by calling 203-762-6321 or by visiting the library’s Circulation Desk. Guests are kindly asked to RSVP by March 7. Cocktail attire is requested. Silver Spring Country Club is located at 439 Silver Spring Road, Ridgefield, CT.

Wilton Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on the generous support from the community for 100% of its materials, programs and services.